For many Alabama residents, traveling back and forth while going about daily life is an uneventful occurrence. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents occur on a frequent basis, and they can result in both physical injuries and monetary damages. Alabama has laws that regulate how these events are to be handled.

If one is involved in a crash, no matter how minor, both motorists should contact the police either directly or through 9-1-1 if the crash is serious. Both drivers are encouraged to share insurance information while refraining from admitting any fault. Notations concerning weather and traffic conditions may prove to be useful during an investigation.

The state has specific insurance requirements, and drivers who violate this law face suspension and fines. If one has suffered injuries or significant property damages in a collision, there are three options for recovering these damages. A victim can seek compensation through his or her insurance company, the at-fault driver’s insurance provider or by filing a civil suit. Alabama is also a contributory negligence state, which means, if both drivers shared in the fault for an accident, neither party can recover damages.

When an insurance adjuster attempts to enter into a settlement agreement with an injured party, a driver is not required to accept any offers until one has researched the value of one’s property and what the estimated costs would be to repair or replace damaged property. Furthermore, state laws provide for injured parties to seek damages unrelated to economic losses such as physical pain and suffering. Victims who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents that were the fault of other drivers are entitled to seek the guidance of a seasoned personal injury attorney in order to file a thorough and comprehensive claim.

Source: FindLaw, “Alabama Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline“, Accessed on Oct. 19, 2017